Vermont Energy Efficiency Leaders Gather to Discuss Latest Initiatives to Save Money, Create Jobs, and Protect the Environment
MONTPELIER, VT. At Blodgett Supply in Montpelier today, Rep. Peter Welch met with a broad cross-section of Vermont energy efficiency leaders to outline his efficiency priorities for the new Congress and learn about the latest energy efficiency innovations in Vermont. The roundtable discussion comes on the heels of House approval this week of Welch-authored energy efficiency legislation which President Obama will soon sign into law.
“Vermont has been a pioneer state on energy efficiency and continues to be a national and international leader,” said Welch. “What I learned today from an incredible group of energy efficiency contractors, utility leaders, policy thinkers, and advocates is that we have barely scratched the surface of the potential for energy efficiency to help Americans save money, create jobs, and protect the environment.”
Earlier this week, the House passed the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act (H.R. 1802/S. 535), authored by Rep. Welch and Rep. David McKinley (R-WV).
Going forward, Rep. Welch will be working with House leaders on a broad bipartisan energy package that will include major initiatives related to infrastructure, workforce development, energy diplomacy, and energy efficiency. Welch is advocating for the following Welch-authored bills to be included in the energy efficiency title:
· The Sensible Accounting to Value Energy (SAVE) Act: requires all federally-backed home mortgages to account for energy efficiency in the mortgage appraisal and underwriting process.
· The American Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act: creates a renewable energy and energy efficiency resource standard for electric and natural gas utilities.
· Energy Savings through Public-Private Partnerships: facilitates the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts to make federal buildings more energy efficient.
· Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act: encourages school-based energy efficiency upgrades.
· Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act: spurs the use of energy efficiency technologies in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors through stronger model building codes.
“Energy efficiency is one of the rare issues in Congress that wins strong bipartisan support,” said Welch. “It’s is an area where we can continue to make progress for the American people, and where the rest of the nation can learn from innovations taking place right here in Vermont.”
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Jahala Dudley
Office of Congressman Welch (VT-AL)
2303 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4115
